Satyrium hallackii subsp. ocellatum

Satyrium hallackii subsp. ocellatum is a strong-growing herb of the orchid family. The plants usually reach from 30 cm to 45 cm in height, wider size divergence less common. Eight to ten lanceolate leaves are grown, decreasing in size up the stem.

The flowers are usually white, but may also be pink or mauve. Flower fragrance appears at night, useful in attracting hawkmoths, the plants pollinators. The inflorescence is up to 24 cm long. Flowering happens in late spring and early summer.

The plant is found in marshy grassland of the eastern parts of South Africa and to the north of the border, at least in Zimbabwe and Malawi. The subspecies is not considered to be threatened in its habitat early in the twenty first century (Manning, 2009; JSTOR; www.redlist.sanbi.org).